OF BRITISH FUNGI. 119 



whereas it is often eaten without ill effects. If the 

 fourth rule is without exception, how is it that the 

 orange agaric (Lactarius deliciosus), which contains a 

 milky juice, has obtained the name of delicious, and is 

 really considered so by those who have tried it, and 

 without inconvenience ? If the fifth rule is accepted, 

 then both species of Coprinus, which have been recom- 

 mended as affording an excellent ketchup, must be 

 avoided. 



In default, however, of general rules, we would re- 

 commend no one to experiment upon species which are 

 unknown to them, or which we have not pointed out as 

 safe. It is not advisable to venture upon such as have 

 a decidedly acrid or unpleasant taste in the raw state, 

 unless they are known to be edible. One or two species 

 which possess such properties when uncooked are whole- 

 some when dressed ; but these are exceptions to the 

 general rule. If only such species are employed as we 

 have described in the foregoing pages, and delineated 

 in the plates, there is no fear of unpleasant results. 

 Unfortunately, it is too true that some people will not 

 give themselves the trouble to think or examine, or we 

 should never hear of such manifest stupidity, as con- 

 founding the root of monkshood with that of horseradish ; 

 two roots almost as unlike as roots well can be, and 

 much more distinct than many a noxious and esculent 

 mushroom. Upon such individuals all rules and 

 recommendations would be thrown away ; but the 

 majority of our readers will, we think, confess that 

 we have given them the best guide in the distinct 



